Who Would’ve Thought The Last Place On Earth Was in Michigan?

Now is your opportunity to visit the last place on earth without leaving Michigan.

Known business-wise as Kuusi Modern Mercantile, The Last Place On Earth is housed in an historic landmark building, going back to 1880. According to the Kuusi webpage, the shop contains “housewares and provisions handpicked for their beauty, utility, and quality (and) are complemented by vintage finds and one-of-a-kind art pieces.”

The Last Place on Earth is found in the former mining town of Phillipsville in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Aside from that building, the only things that remain in this ghost town are seven houses and a souvenir shop. No gas station, no bar, no stores.

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Back in 1968, Tom & Jan Manniko bought this building which was neglected and in terrible shape. Tom, a woodworker, set out to bring the structure up to a level of respectability. It took quite a while, but upon completion he told Jan “I wouldn’t do this again if this was the last place on Earth”. It was Jan that used that phrase to name their new shop.

Their wares included mostly Tom’s handiwork, his wooden bowls and other types of kitchenware. Fast-forward to June 2023, when a new business opened in the building, Kuusi Modern Mercantile, owned by Lisa Huther.

It is closed all winter and only open during the warm spring/summer/fall months. Located at 59621 US-41, it still proudly displays “The Last Place on Earth” at the top and welcomes all. Stop by and get a selfie!